Fiji National University (FNU) Assistant Instructor Adi Tulia Nacola has earned international recognition after receiving the 2026 Kimo Breakthrough Film of the Year Award in New York City for her debut feature film, ADI.
For Nacola, the award is a proud moment, as it shows that Fijian stories, told in our own language, can reach audiences around the world.
ADI is a story born in Fiji, told in the iTaukei language and brought to life by an entirely local cast and crew.
The 70-minute film follows two siblings from a chiefly family whose lives change as the choices of one shape the future of the other.
Through their journey, ADI explores courage, leadership, loyalty to the people and love.
Nacola says the idea for the film came from a simple desire to see more Pacific and iTaukei stories on the big screen.
She says she wanted to make a film for the people of Fiji.
She adds that she saw a lack of Pacific and iTaukei stories on the big screen, so she wanted to make a film that would create pride in our language, our people and our land.
Nacola says identity is important, and people need to keep telling and sharing their stories.
She says bringing the story to the screen was no easy task, as the film took 11 months to develop and complete, while production itself lasted only six days because of a limited budget.
Nacola says the short filming schedule meant every day had to count, with careful preparation and rehearsals before the cameras rolled.
She adds that the production brought together emerging filmmakers, first-time actors and experienced professionals, all from Fiji.
She says many of the cast and several crew members had never worked on a professional film set before, meaning everyone had to learn quickly and work closely together.
She explains that the crew would meet every morning to discuss the day’s schedule and plans, and any changes were also discussed so everyone knew their roles.
For Nacola, the experience also highlighted the need to give more young people opportunities to learn about the craft.
She believes universities and film schools can play an important role by giving students the knowledge and practical foundation needed to enter the industry.
The film stars Salote Malani as Adi, Napolioni Koro Ravai as Ratu and Tarusila Sowakula as Vere.
All three were first-time performers, while some members of the cast were students from FNU’s 2025 Film and Television programme at the Nasinu Campus.
Finding the right cast was another challenge.
Auditions were held over two days, with fluency in the Ra dialect an important requirement because it is the language used throughout the film.
Nacola says the process eventually brought together people with the right skills, commitment and passion to tell the story.
She hopes the film’s international recognition will create more opportunities for Fijian filmmakers and help build a stronger creative arts industry.
She adds that they have worked hard and proved that local talent and filmmakers can create great films.
Nacola is also calling for greater support from the Government, universities and industry professionals to help develop Fiji’s film and creative sectors.
For FNU, the achievement also highlights the value of its Creative Arts programmes and the opportunities available to students who want to turn their creativity into a career.
Nacola says the creative industries can offer a range of career pathways, but Fiji needs to continue investing in the skills and opportunities that will allow young people to pursue them.
For her, however, the most rewarding part of ADI is seeing young people connect with their language, traditions and culture.
She says she feels both fulfilled and relieved to see the film recognised, particularly as an iTaukei woman and filmmaker.
Nacola says being recognised locally and internationally as an award-winning female iTaukei filmmaker is a remarkable feeling.
She says it makes her want to create more for the people of Fiji and the Pacific.
Her message to young people considering a career in the creative arts is just as personal.
She encourages those interested in pursuing a career in the creative arts to give it their all, believe in themselves and trust their instincts.
She adds that it is a rewarding path because they are creating their world as they go.
Acting Dean for CHEL, Dr Joseph Veramu, congratulated Nacola and everyone involved in ADI on the achievement.
He says the film is a reminder that powerful stories can begin in Fiji and find their place on the world stage.
Dr Veramu adds that this is a milestone achievement for Nacola and FNU, and it will inspire young people in Fiji and the Pacific to engage in expressive arts for leisure and gainful employment.
